Clearly, the Lightning took one on the chin tonight. The Florida Panthers are a talented, fast, skilled, deep team. They put that talent, speed, skill, and depth on display in this game. But the Lightning contributed to the outcome, too. They yielded prime scoring chances and the Panthers made them pay for it.

In terms of possession, the Lightning had an advantage in the first period, a frame in which they posted 19 shots. But they also made critical mistakes that led to three Florida goals. Anthony Duclair scored on a breakaway, Jonathan Huberdeau converted on a rebound in front, and Frank Vatrano had two open looks from the slot (the second of which he put into the net).

The Panthers added a fourth goal early in the second after another Lightning coverage breakdown. An unguarded Eetu Luostarinen finished a rebound chance from the slot. Although Steven Stamkos cut the deficit to 4-2 when he netted his 15th goal of the season a few minutes later, the Lightning weren't able to replicate the same level of pressure they applied in the first. Then, late in the frame, the Panthers pulled away even more. Luostarinen fed Carter Verhaeghe on a breakaway and Maxim Mamin, trailing the play, tapped in the rebound. In the final minute of the second, Anton Lundell was alone in front to collect a rebound and score on a backhand.

The final period featured another breakaway goal for Duclair, a goal off the rush from Aaron Ekblad, and a two-on-one shorthanded tally from Aleksander Barkov. Those last three goals came against Hugo Alnefelt , who made his NHL debut after replacing Max Lagace to start the third period.

The Lightning had allowed prime scoring chances in their recent comeback wins over Vegas and Montreal. That trend continued against the Panthers and it led to an ugly result. The Lightning will look to tighten things up when they host the Rangers on Friday night at Amalie Arena.

Lightning Radio Three Stars of the Game (as selected by Bobby "The Chief" Taylor):

1. Jonathan Hubderdeau - Panthers. Goal and four assists.

2. Anthony Duclair - Panthers. Two goals and assist.

3. Eetu Luostarinen - Panthers. Goal and assist.

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